Mashantuckets name new fire chief

Mashantucket - The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation on Thursday announced the promotion of former Deputy Chief Rick Tougas of Mystic to the position of fire chief of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Fire Department.

Tougas has worked for the tribe for two decades, beginning his career in 1993 as a life safety technician. He joined the fire department in 1999 as a firefighter and worked his way up through the ranks, serving as lieutenant, captain, fire protection supervisor and certified fire marshal.

Tougas is a part of the Emergency Management Team, an Emergency Services Committee Delegate to United South & Eastern Tribes Inc., and oversees fire department operations.

"I am honored to be taking command of the finest fire department around and look forward to continuing our mission of providing top-notch professional fire and emergency services for Mashantucket," Tougas said in a statement released by the tribe.

Chief of Staff Tony Beltran added, "Chief Tougas has dedicated almost 20 years of his life to protecting the lives of our citizens, patrons and employees and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation feels he is the best choice as Fire Chief."